The Dragons
Chapter Nine
It was Lev's first ride on a dragon. He'd heard about them of course, but this was his first actual ride, although Snow and he had sat in the sun together on Laz's island. Lev had even read to Snow which had endeared the wounded spy to Snow, since it was one thing he dearly loved, was to have someone read to him. Granted it hadn't been Zen philosophy but even so, it had been 'deep thoughts' as Snow thought of them so he was ecstatic and had already made his pleasure with Lev known to Anja who found the idea amusing.
Snow had grown considerably so he was easily able to carry all three of them to St. Azael's straight from the island, although the Refuge dragons had offered to provide extra rides. But since they were leaving from St. Azael's to go straight to Aaru, it had seemed unnecessary.
It was late afternoon when they arrived on St. Azael's. Lev was still limping slightly, caused, Anja told him pitilessly from trying too hard to exercise the offending limb back to perfect health. Laz laughed at the exchange, and Lev had just pretty much tuned her out, which made her angrier and made Laz laugh harder.
They headed straight to the Monastery where they were to meet with two potential candidates. Lev, it should be noted, rather amused to be along, since he'd only just set foot in space so he was hardly a judge of whether anyone was fit to serve aboard Aaru. Still, he was happy to be ready to have a job or at least something to occupy his thoughts, and lift his spirits. He'd read decidedly morose poetry and all to bothersome philosophy while recuperating.
Anja, familiar with St Azael's reported to the main hall and announced her interest in meeting with the two students. The three of them were shown to a small parlour where they would have privacy to meet with the students.
Lev was checking out the books when the two were shown in. Anja, her warrior braid now fully grown out, was looking all Zena warrior princess when she turned to regard the two hopeful students.
"Hello. I'm Anja Anton and this is Laszlo and Lev Nazarov. Dinah asked us to come by."
"I'm Asher and this is Celie. She wrote she was sending some people by. I just don't know why." He looked from one face to the next.
Laz hid a smile at the implied question, one Asher would never have allowed himself before. Almost a year at St. Azael's had begun to change him in some of the ways Dinah had hoped for when she'd sent them there. He was still shy and soft spoken, but the faint aura of fear was gone. He held himself differently, as did Celie, Laz noticed, standing over by the windows. And he looked people in the eye instead of at the floor.
"Ah, well, as I am trained much as you I wished to see how you have progressed," Anja explained. "And to see if either of you feel you have been called to further your studies here."
"Dinah said," Laz put in from the windows, "that it had been suggested that you have a bit of actual experience in doing what warriors do before deciding whether to continue your studies here or not. Apparently it's common practice here with students whose background isn't martial in one way or another because if you continue the training intensifies and requires a greater commitment."
Celie sat on the edge of a straight backed chair, her spine as perpendicular to the floor as its back. "Yes sir. We have been told that too," she said.
Anja shot a slightly confused look at Laz, unsure what he was implying but continued anyway. "As Laz has said, it is often a good idea to experience life outside the monastery before one decides to dedicate years to further study. Your initial training has gone well, and your instructors have informed us that you are excellent students and have come a long way in a short amount of time. That is all to your credit. Tell me, do you feel you have progressed here and have you been happy learning the warrior way?"
Asher and Celie exchanged a look, the silent communication between them as potent as it had always been. "We didn't come here to be happy, ma'am. We came because we wanted to stop being afraid," Asher said. "And we have. That we seem to have a talent for this was unexpected."
"I see. And neither of you have felt happy here?" Anja asked.
"He didn't say that, ma'am," Celie replied. "If you'll forgive me for saying so. It is not my wish to be impertinent."
Anja frowned at Celie. "I understand that, and thank you for making certain I was clear on that. But my question still stands. Were you happy here?"
Asher looked at Celie and then tried again. "That's not what's important to us, ma'am. So it's not a question we've ever asked. We came to stop being afraid and we have."
"I think that's better than being happy, ma'am," Celie said.
"When you've never not been afraid before," Asher finished for her. "We like it here. We like what we're learning."
"We like being good at it, ma'am. I was never good at anything before," Celie said.
Anja sat back and crossed her arms on her chest. "If you leave here would you be afraid?"
Celie smiled, a rare and beautiful thing. "Not anymore, ma'am," she said.
"Would you two like an opportunity to travel with us for awhile? It might be dangerous. I won't tell you otherwise. But Laz, Lev and many others will be with us. And Dinah and Marc of course. It might help you discover if you would like to be a warrior, or to discover if there are other options you might prefer." Anja, noting the need they had to coordinate thoughts and responses, added, "There is no hurry to decide. But it is a possibility and a pathway that is now open to you.'
"Travel with Miss McNeill, you mean?" Asher asked.
"She changed her name," Laz said. "It's Siolastre now."
They looked startled. "She's married?" Asher asked.
"No," Laz said. "Her father, whose name she used, abused her and quite recently tried to kill her. She wanted, even though he's dead, to excise him and what he'd done to her from her life, if only symbolically. And she didn't want her children to carry his name."
The silent communication between Celie and Asher intensified by several orders of magnitude.
"She and Marc are a bonded pair. It is far more binding than a marriage. They are... linked forever," Anja explained. "Marc and she own worlds and they are visiting their worlds and trying to help people who need help."
"Yes ma'am, like she helped us. She wrote to us about seeing the worlds," Celie said. "We'd like to work for her again."
"Well, you can work for her again once you've finished your training here, too. So you must decide if you wish to leave St. Azael's now, or later. And which is best for the two of you."
Anja looked from one to the other. "It is not necessarily a choice that you will have to make now and never again see this opportunity. Thus you must factor that into your decision."
"Yes ma'am," Asher said. "We understand. We are saying we want to do this so we can continue studying here."
Anja smiled. "All right. I will pass your wishes on then and we will let you know."
Asher and Celie nodded. "Thank you ma'am."
As they left St Azael's Anja asked Laz, "What is the story with them? Why did you not explain it to me?"
"First tell me your opinion," he said.
"If anyone cares," Lev put in, "I think they need something very different from structured instruction, even if it does make them feel safe."
Anja turned to him, having almost forgotten he was there, he'd been so quiet and watchful.
"I agree," Anja said, looking at Laz. "Feeling safe is important but choosing a lifestyle, or a calling, is far more than that. They need to see they have additional options. They are malleable and willing to please. I'm not sure they know what pleases them. Or that they can even know it if they find it."
Laz stopped and looked at them. "They're two of Dinah's waifs. They walked into her hotel one day, wanting a job, looking like, as she put it, a sadist's dream of the perfect submissive. They were runaways, had been on the streets for a several years. After that she's guessing but she thinks they were street prostitutes, got sucked into the BDSM world, against their will, probably as sexual slaves. Eventually they escaped and ran away. When they got to Dinah a year ago they were terrified, wouldn't let anyone touch them, trusted no one except each other and her to a degree and wouldn't set foot out of the hotel."
"Then they have come a long way indeed," Anja said thoughtfully.
"Yes, they have," Laz said. "Dinah arranged with Az for them to study with his monks hoping it would do what it seems to have done. She wants them to have the chance to have a future of their own choosing which is why, after talking with the Father General or what ever he's called, she decided that they needed a break and a chance to look at the world with fresh eyes. She thinks that they'll decide to go back and continue studying but whatever they decide she'll help them. For what it's worth, it's not the environment that makes them feel safe. It's that they can fight now, which is why she sent them there. They might still lose but they aren't physically helpless anymore."
"That may or may not be true," Anja replied, frowning in thought. "The atmosphere of the monastery is such that it is a safe place. That they can fight might seem of more consequence to them at the moment, but a structured world, where there are few surprises makes people feel safe also."
"Well we'll certainly see, won't we?" Laz said. "Since what I'm getting is you two think we should take them with us."
"I haven't even seen this ship," Lev replied. "I'm hardly a proper decider of anything."
"We're headed there now," Laz said. "Think carrier, small crew. For the Rim, think Dodge on a Saturday night, or Tombstone before Doc Holiday arrived. Think raw recruit."
"And is there security for said raw recruits?" Lev asked.
"Meaning are we guarding them too?" Laz asked.
"No, meaning will they be all right with that," Lev asked.
"I don't know," he answered. "But I think so. They're very perceptive, very good at reading people and situations. So I think they maybe expect something like that until they've proved themselves."
"Yes, they are very perceptive and that is a help. On balance I think taking them with us would be a good thing for them," Anja finally decided. "You have my professional opinion."
"Lev?"
"You'll need to have someone keep an eye on them. To be sure they don't over-estimate their abilities. And, more importantly perhaps, to see to it that they do not become discouraged."
"Agreed. The dragons will help there of course."
"They have had training with dragons?" Lev asked Anja.
"Yes. It is part of the normal training in the monasteries," Anja explained.
"They were admitted with Molly and Miles, who would come with them," Laz said. "They aren't talented, or magical."
"I'd say they were very talented. Survival is an ability that is too often under appreciated." Lev replied.
Laz gave a short laugh. "Good point. So, would you be willing to share the keeping an eye on duties?"
Lev frowned. "Sure. Why not."
"Anja?"
"I guard Dinah," she replied with a smile. "That is a thankless task. Perhaps this one will not be quite so thankless."
"It might also be a good place for them to start," Laz said. "And on the bridge watch."
"Yes, they will appreciate something responsible. Can we trust them with Ingev however? He's ... a bad influence," Anja said grinning.
"He also knows Dinah would flay him alive, personally," Laz said, laughing. "On the other hand I imagine there's nothing they haven't been exposed to, one way or another." He mounted Snow behind Anja and put his arms around her waist, leaning forward to whisper in her ear, "It's been a great vacation with you," he said and nibbled her ear lobe.
Lev groaned. "Don't do that."
"Sorry, forgot myself there," Laz said, laughing again. "Home to Aaru, sweetheart."
Lev hanging on back, was, not surprisingly, speechless when he saw Aaru. They gave him the tour, Snow flying her length and breadth and the other dragons popping out happily to meet them. Then finally, after play time, they landed in the dragon bay. Marc and Dinah stood there laughing at the twins Ivy and Igor who were hopping up and down in eagerness to greet someone new.
"Welcome aboard," Dinah said to Lev. "And meet the children, Ivy and Igor."
Lev rubbed both dragon heads and grinned at them and then said, "Dinah? Marc?"
"That's us. Welcome aboard Aaru. How's the leg?" Marc asked.
"Almost back to 100 percent. Thanks for taking me in. But then I just learned you like strays," Lev added eying Dinah.
She eyed him back. "You don't strike me as a stray," she said finally.
"True. More rogue. In the trouble-making sense," he replied.
"Then you'll likely fit right in," she said. "Another source of gray hair for Marc."
Marc shook hands with Lev. "Don't you believe it. I don't think a one of us isn't a rogue. You'll fit right in. So, how were Betty Jo and Ian?"
"Fine. Disgustingly happy," Lev replied.
"Ah. Somehow I'm not surprised. Bet Betty Jo doesn't call him a jack ass either."
"Betty Jo's a lady and civilized," Dinah said sweetly. "I'm not civilized and you like it that way."
"True," Marc admitted, grinning at Lev. "Sorry. We're like this all the time."
"Ah. Well, that's a relief," Lev replied.
"Come on we'll show you around, introduce you and all that," Marc said as they walked off leaving Anja and Laz with the dragons.
"It can take some getting used to. I assume," Dinah said, "that Laz filled you on what we're planning?"
"Mayhem?" Lev replied.
"Ah, I see he didn't hold back either," Dinah said. "But we're going to try to ease into it slowly." They walked onto the bridge as she spoke. "You know, I imagine, Paul and Natha. And that's Ingev, our pilot. He sweet talks Aaru."
"Does she sweet talk back?" Lev wanted to know as he and Ing shook hands.
"Oh, you've no idea. If she takes a shine to someone, she can break your heart," Ing replied with a smile.
"Ah. Well, then," Lev answered and let it drop there with a thud. He turned to greet Paul and Natha.
"Odd fellow," Ing commented to Dinah.
"Takes one to know one," she said.
"Me? Oh come on. I'm shallow and superficial. Just ask Aaru," Ing replied. "He's deep. Scary."
"What's that got to do with odd?" Dinah demanded. "Besides we want him scary. He's going to be our secret weapon with the Syndicate and the Barons."
"He is?" Marc asked.
"Yeah, we scare them to death," she said. "After the latest message today from COBRA I thought that was the weapon of choice right now."
"Yeah, well, I'd think you scare them to death. You scare me to death," Marc replied with a grin. "You aren't getting cold feet are you?"
She looked at him, her brows coming together. "No, not at all. Are you?"
"Not a chance."
"So we're going to go?" Dinah said. "Show up, with or without the vamp airhead routine, and let them explain how what we're doing is bad for business and we explain to them that we aren't in it for the money?"
"I think we just go in and explain as plainly as they need to hear it that we're gonna kick their asses if they get in our way," Marc replied, wrapping a hand around her shoulders. "We'll peel off a few of them, and the rest are enemies anyway, regardless of what we do."
"But I thought you had your sights set on being a member of COBRA and a Rim Baron? So you could keep wearing the uniform and pinching Anja's butt just so Laz's jaw would clench?"
"Who says I don't want to be a Rim Baron. I'm just choosy about who else gets to be one. And as far as I'm concerned, we're cleaning house."
"And you think I'm trouble," she said.
Marc grinned. "Met your match, eh?"
"Ooooo baby, have I ever," she said, batting her eyes at him. "Wanna go see how we fit together?"
"I think we should check on the kids first," he replied regretfully.
"Ours or someone else's?" she asked. "And from the signal from Laz we're picking up Asher and Celie before we head out again."
"That's who I meant, Asher and Celie," Marc said shaking his head.
Ing rolled his eyes, Lev watched them somewhat speculatively.
"Yes," Marc said to Lev. "We're like this most of the time. Sorry."
Dinah grinned at him. "We're really glad you're here," she said.
"It's a bit of a shock after Betty Jo and Ian. But hey, change is good, right?" Lev said.
"True," she said. She watched him shift his weight from one leg to the next. "Laz said you'd been shot. Kalket and Max are the healers aboard if you need them. And Ingev can show you your quarters. If you need anything see Reno or Colin. As for the rest, Cal's the geek, Morrigan's the resident dragon wrangler, Melly's our favorite puzzle solver and Stella backs up Ingev, works the bridge and security. My advice is to call her cat Tigger, but don't touch him. The puppy's name is Ernie, short for Ernestine and I'm to blame for her."
She eyed him again. "Meeting all of them can probably wait until you're settled, unless you're pantingly eager to be social in which case I'm sure Ing would be happy to oblige. We'll be stopping at Pensa on the way, of course, for news."
"I'm not all that social by nature," Lev replied. "I'd like to settle in, get a feel for the place and meet everyone as shifts allow, if that's okay."
"Sure," Marc said. "There's a library and an observation deck that tend to be less crowded if you like alone time, and of course your own room. Several of the crew are more quiet than not, so we'll adjust. Watch out for the two baby dragons though. If they corner you you're in for endless questions," Marc added with a grin.
Yeah," Dinah said vaguely, nibbling a fingertip, looking at him as if she were measuring him for a suit. "Endless. It may be that you and McGee..." she began and broke off snapping herself back to the here and now and treated him to a dazzling smile. "Pardon me, I was thinking aloud. Ing will show you your quarters and we'll see you when you're settled."
"Come on, Lev, this way," Ing said and gathered up Lev and took him toward the crew quarters.
"He and McGee?" Marc asked Dinah once they were gone.
"Well he needs a friend," Dinah said. "And they strike me as remarkably similar in some ways, but that may be a draw back in this case."
"Yeah, they'll both sit in the library and not say a word to one another," Marc replied with a grin. "On the other hand, someone who isn't inclined to ask McGee a lot of questions might get further with him than you ever will."
"Yep. But he also strikes me as the cavalry officer type, who would be happy focusing on dragon battle tactics and strategy. Kalie reported that they had so many dragon volunteers they're going to hold a lottery."
"Now that is scary. How pissed off are the Houses to be losing that many dragons?" Marc asked, frowning.
"Well," she said, "we aren't taking all of them from the Houses. Some are coming from the Refuge, since with the births this spring it's getting a bit crowded. Others are non aligned, as it were. And I suggested to Kalie that they set up a rotation system for the rest to minimize the impact. Plus I have an idea there, playing off an idea I have about the Barons. Are you sure we need to check on Celie and Asher today?"
"Why, what plot are you hatching in your beady little mind, my darling?"
"Well I was thinking that after the Baron's meeting, we should maybe have a meeting of our own. A sort of gathering of allies, you know. Focused mainly on the social. See," she said, steering him off the bridge, her voice dropping, "it occurred to me we've a broad range of allies. The Houses, the Guild, the Monasteries, and the Assemblies and the University; but also on Earth. Plus we invite the Margassans, and let it be known we have. And we hold it on Earth."
"On Earth," Marc repeated thoughtfully. "We could invite a lot of allies from Earth too. I don't think Stephen would be happy having it at the Refuge. Too many unknowns who'd learn exactly where he is and what his defenses are."
"I know, but you know who'd love to do it? And would also be superb at it?"
"Baz," Marc replied. "Yeah, he does eat this stuff up. Poor Tsura. I should have talked sense into her before she married him."
"Yeah but if we borrow Jeeves and Mabel from the hotel..."
"Do you think they're crazy enough to say yes?" Marc asked dubiously.
"We can but ask, sugar lips, we can but ask."
"All right then, we got a plan. And yeah, I think maybe Lev might make a good strategy type with the dragons. If he gets along with them, anyway."
"Good," she said leading him into their quarters. "Now, Laz saw Asher and Celie today with Anja and Lev. We're picking them up tomorrow on our way out. What else is left?"
"I need to shoot by Ocala. You wanna come or wait here?"
She tilted her head. "What for?"
"Oh, I thought maybe, since we were taking on the Rim, I might pick up some x-laser arrays and a few other cute little gizmos. Never know what you might need."
"Ah, toys. Tell ya what. I'll be here in the bathtub, enjoying the bubbles and a glass of wine, skin glistening and hair piled on top of my head, a few curls dangling. When you're done with those toys, you can tell me how mine compare."
"I'll collect Cal and be back in a jiffy. Don't go all pruny on me, sweetheart."
She kissed him, long and slow and stepped back. "Trust me," she said.
"I'll bring you extra bath oil," he said and winked out.
Snow had grown considerably so he was easily able to carry all three of them to St. Azael's straight from the island, although the Refuge dragons had offered to provide extra rides. But since they were leaving from St. Azael's to go straight to Aaru, it had seemed unnecessary.
It was late afternoon when they arrived on St. Azael's. Lev was still limping slightly, caused, Anja told him pitilessly from trying too hard to exercise the offending limb back to perfect health. Laz laughed at the exchange, and Lev had just pretty much tuned her out, which made her angrier and made Laz laugh harder.
They headed straight to the Monastery where they were to meet with two potential candidates. Lev, it should be noted, rather amused to be along, since he'd only just set foot in space so he was hardly a judge of whether anyone was fit to serve aboard Aaru. Still, he was happy to be ready to have a job or at least something to occupy his thoughts, and lift his spirits. He'd read decidedly morose poetry and all to bothersome philosophy while recuperating.
Anja, familiar with St Azael's reported to the main hall and announced her interest in meeting with the two students. The three of them were shown to a small parlour where they would have privacy to meet with the students.
Lev was checking out the books when the two were shown in. Anja, her warrior braid now fully grown out, was looking all Zena warrior princess when she turned to regard the two hopeful students.
"Hello. I'm Anja Anton and this is Laszlo and Lev Nazarov. Dinah asked us to come by."
"I'm Asher and this is Celie. She wrote she was sending some people by. I just don't know why." He looked from one face to the next.
Laz hid a smile at the implied question, one Asher would never have allowed himself before. Almost a year at St. Azael's had begun to change him in some of the ways Dinah had hoped for when she'd sent them there. He was still shy and soft spoken, but the faint aura of fear was gone. He held himself differently, as did Celie, Laz noticed, standing over by the windows. And he looked people in the eye instead of at the floor.
"Ah, well, as I am trained much as you I wished to see how you have progressed," Anja explained. "And to see if either of you feel you have been called to further your studies here."
"Dinah said," Laz put in from the windows, "that it had been suggested that you have a bit of actual experience in doing what warriors do before deciding whether to continue your studies here or not. Apparently it's common practice here with students whose background isn't martial in one way or another because if you continue the training intensifies and requires a greater commitment."
Celie sat on the edge of a straight backed chair, her spine as perpendicular to the floor as its back. "Yes sir. We have been told that too," she said.
Anja shot a slightly confused look at Laz, unsure what he was implying but continued anyway. "As Laz has said, it is often a good idea to experience life outside the monastery before one decides to dedicate years to further study. Your initial training has gone well, and your instructors have informed us that you are excellent students and have come a long way in a short amount of time. That is all to your credit. Tell me, do you feel you have progressed here and have you been happy learning the warrior way?"
Asher and Celie exchanged a look, the silent communication between them as potent as it had always been. "We didn't come here to be happy, ma'am. We came because we wanted to stop being afraid," Asher said. "And we have. That we seem to have a talent for this was unexpected."
"I see. And neither of you have felt happy here?" Anja asked.
"He didn't say that, ma'am," Celie replied. "If you'll forgive me for saying so. It is not my wish to be impertinent."
Anja frowned at Celie. "I understand that, and thank you for making certain I was clear on that. But my question still stands. Were you happy here?"
Asher looked at Celie and then tried again. "That's not what's important to us, ma'am. So it's not a question we've ever asked. We came to stop being afraid and we have."
"I think that's better than being happy, ma'am," Celie said.
"When you've never not been afraid before," Asher finished for her. "We like it here. We like what we're learning."
"We like being good at it, ma'am. I was never good at anything before," Celie said.
Anja sat back and crossed her arms on her chest. "If you leave here would you be afraid?"
Celie smiled, a rare and beautiful thing. "Not anymore, ma'am," she said.
"Would you two like an opportunity to travel with us for awhile? It might be dangerous. I won't tell you otherwise. But Laz, Lev and many others will be with us. And Dinah and Marc of course. It might help you discover if you would like to be a warrior, or to discover if there are other options you might prefer." Anja, noting the need they had to coordinate thoughts and responses, added, "There is no hurry to decide. But it is a possibility and a pathway that is now open to you.'
"Travel with Miss McNeill, you mean?" Asher asked.
"She changed her name," Laz said. "It's Siolastre now."
They looked startled. "She's married?" Asher asked.
"No," Laz said. "Her father, whose name she used, abused her and quite recently tried to kill her. She wanted, even though he's dead, to excise him and what he'd done to her from her life, if only symbolically. And she didn't want her children to carry his name."
The silent communication between Celie and Asher intensified by several orders of magnitude.
"She and Marc are a bonded pair. It is far more binding than a marriage. They are... linked forever," Anja explained. "Marc and she own worlds and they are visiting their worlds and trying to help people who need help."
"Yes ma'am, like she helped us. She wrote to us about seeing the worlds," Celie said. "We'd like to work for her again."
"Well, you can work for her again once you've finished your training here, too. So you must decide if you wish to leave St. Azael's now, or later. And which is best for the two of you."
Anja looked from one to the other. "It is not necessarily a choice that you will have to make now and never again see this opportunity. Thus you must factor that into your decision."
"Yes ma'am," Asher said. "We understand. We are saying we want to do this so we can continue studying here."
Anja smiled. "All right. I will pass your wishes on then and we will let you know."
Asher and Celie nodded. "Thank you ma'am."
As they left St Azael's Anja asked Laz, "What is the story with them? Why did you not explain it to me?"
"First tell me your opinion," he said.
"If anyone cares," Lev put in, "I think they need something very different from structured instruction, even if it does make them feel safe."
Anja turned to him, having almost forgotten he was there, he'd been so quiet and watchful.
"I agree," Anja said, looking at Laz. "Feeling safe is important but choosing a lifestyle, or a calling, is far more than that. They need to see they have additional options. They are malleable and willing to please. I'm not sure they know what pleases them. Or that they can even know it if they find it."
Laz stopped and looked at them. "They're two of Dinah's waifs. They walked into her hotel one day, wanting a job, looking like, as she put it, a sadist's dream of the perfect submissive. They were runaways, had been on the streets for a several years. After that she's guessing but she thinks they were street prostitutes, got sucked into the BDSM world, against their will, probably as sexual slaves. Eventually they escaped and ran away. When they got to Dinah a year ago they were terrified, wouldn't let anyone touch them, trusted no one except each other and her to a degree and wouldn't set foot out of the hotel."
"Then they have come a long way indeed," Anja said thoughtfully.
"Yes, they have," Laz said. "Dinah arranged with Az for them to study with his monks hoping it would do what it seems to have done. She wants them to have the chance to have a future of their own choosing which is why, after talking with the Father General or what ever he's called, she decided that they needed a break and a chance to look at the world with fresh eyes. She thinks that they'll decide to go back and continue studying but whatever they decide she'll help them. For what it's worth, it's not the environment that makes them feel safe. It's that they can fight now, which is why she sent them there. They might still lose but they aren't physically helpless anymore."
"That may or may not be true," Anja replied, frowning in thought. "The atmosphere of the monastery is such that it is a safe place. That they can fight might seem of more consequence to them at the moment, but a structured world, where there are few surprises makes people feel safe also."
"Well we'll certainly see, won't we?" Laz said. "Since what I'm getting is you two think we should take them with us."
"I haven't even seen this ship," Lev replied. "I'm hardly a proper decider of anything."
"We're headed there now," Laz said. "Think carrier, small crew. For the Rim, think Dodge on a Saturday night, or Tombstone before Doc Holiday arrived. Think raw recruit."
"And is there security for said raw recruits?" Lev asked.
"Meaning are we guarding them too?" Laz asked.
"No, meaning will they be all right with that," Lev asked.
"I don't know," he answered. "But I think so. They're very perceptive, very good at reading people and situations. So I think they maybe expect something like that until they've proved themselves."
"Yes, they are very perceptive and that is a help. On balance I think taking them with us would be a good thing for them," Anja finally decided. "You have my professional opinion."
"Lev?"
"You'll need to have someone keep an eye on them. To be sure they don't over-estimate their abilities. And, more importantly perhaps, to see to it that they do not become discouraged."
"Agreed. The dragons will help there of course."
"They have had training with dragons?" Lev asked Anja.
"Yes. It is part of the normal training in the monasteries," Anja explained.
"They were admitted with Molly and Miles, who would come with them," Laz said. "They aren't talented, or magical."
"I'd say they were very talented. Survival is an ability that is too often under appreciated." Lev replied.
Laz gave a short laugh. "Good point. So, would you be willing to share the keeping an eye on duties?"
Lev frowned. "Sure. Why not."
"Anja?"
"I guard Dinah," she replied with a smile. "That is a thankless task. Perhaps this one will not be quite so thankless."
"It might also be a good place for them to start," Laz said. "And on the bridge watch."
"Yes, they will appreciate something responsible. Can we trust them with Ingev however? He's ... a bad influence," Anja said grinning.
"He also knows Dinah would flay him alive, personally," Laz said, laughing. "On the other hand I imagine there's nothing they haven't been exposed to, one way or another." He mounted Snow behind Anja and put his arms around her waist, leaning forward to whisper in her ear, "It's been a great vacation with you," he said and nibbled her ear lobe.
Lev groaned. "Don't do that."
"Sorry, forgot myself there," Laz said, laughing again. "Home to Aaru, sweetheart."
Lev hanging on back, was, not surprisingly, speechless when he saw Aaru. They gave him the tour, Snow flying her length and breadth and the other dragons popping out happily to meet them. Then finally, after play time, they landed in the dragon bay. Marc and Dinah stood there laughing at the twins Ivy and Igor who were hopping up and down in eagerness to greet someone new.
"Welcome aboard," Dinah said to Lev. "And meet the children, Ivy and Igor."
Lev rubbed both dragon heads and grinned at them and then said, "Dinah? Marc?"
"That's us. Welcome aboard Aaru. How's the leg?" Marc asked.
"Almost back to 100 percent. Thanks for taking me in. But then I just learned you like strays," Lev added eying Dinah.
She eyed him back. "You don't strike me as a stray," she said finally.
"True. More rogue. In the trouble-making sense," he replied.
"Then you'll likely fit right in," she said. "Another source of gray hair for Marc."
Marc shook hands with Lev. "Don't you believe it. I don't think a one of us isn't a rogue. You'll fit right in. So, how were Betty Jo and Ian?"
"Fine. Disgustingly happy," Lev replied.
"Ah. Somehow I'm not surprised. Bet Betty Jo doesn't call him a jack ass either."
"Betty Jo's a lady and civilized," Dinah said sweetly. "I'm not civilized and you like it that way."
"True," Marc admitted, grinning at Lev. "Sorry. We're like this all the time."
"Ah. Well, that's a relief," Lev replied.
"Come on we'll show you around, introduce you and all that," Marc said as they walked off leaving Anja and Laz with the dragons.
"It can take some getting used to. I assume," Dinah said, "that Laz filled you on what we're planning?"
"Mayhem?" Lev replied.
"Ah, I see he didn't hold back either," Dinah said. "But we're going to try to ease into it slowly." They walked onto the bridge as she spoke. "You know, I imagine, Paul and Natha. And that's Ingev, our pilot. He sweet talks Aaru."
"Does she sweet talk back?" Lev wanted to know as he and Ing shook hands.
"Oh, you've no idea. If she takes a shine to someone, she can break your heart," Ing replied with a smile.
"Ah. Well, then," Lev answered and let it drop there with a thud. He turned to greet Paul and Natha.
"Odd fellow," Ing commented to Dinah.
"Takes one to know one," she said.
"Me? Oh come on. I'm shallow and superficial. Just ask Aaru," Ing replied. "He's deep. Scary."
"What's that got to do with odd?" Dinah demanded. "Besides we want him scary. He's going to be our secret weapon with the Syndicate and the Barons."
"He is?" Marc asked.
"Yeah, we scare them to death," she said. "After the latest message today from COBRA I thought that was the weapon of choice right now."
"Yeah, well, I'd think you scare them to death. You scare me to death," Marc replied with a grin. "You aren't getting cold feet are you?"
She looked at him, her brows coming together. "No, not at all. Are you?"
"Not a chance."
"So we're going to go?" Dinah said. "Show up, with or without the vamp airhead routine, and let them explain how what we're doing is bad for business and we explain to them that we aren't in it for the money?"
"I think we just go in and explain as plainly as they need to hear it that we're gonna kick their asses if they get in our way," Marc replied, wrapping a hand around her shoulders. "We'll peel off a few of them, and the rest are enemies anyway, regardless of what we do."
"But I thought you had your sights set on being a member of COBRA and a Rim Baron? So you could keep wearing the uniform and pinching Anja's butt just so Laz's jaw would clench?"
"Who says I don't want to be a Rim Baron. I'm just choosy about who else gets to be one. And as far as I'm concerned, we're cleaning house."
"And you think I'm trouble," she said.
Marc grinned. "Met your match, eh?"
"Ooooo baby, have I ever," she said, batting her eyes at him. "Wanna go see how we fit together?"
"I think we should check on the kids first," he replied regretfully.
"Ours or someone else's?" she asked. "And from the signal from Laz we're picking up Asher and Celie before we head out again."
"That's who I meant, Asher and Celie," Marc said shaking his head.
Ing rolled his eyes, Lev watched them somewhat speculatively.
"Yes," Marc said to Lev. "We're like this most of the time. Sorry."
Dinah grinned at him. "We're really glad you're here," she said.
"It's a bit of a shock after Betty Jo and Ian. But hey, change is good, right?" Lev said.
"True," she said. She watched him shift his weight from one leg to the next. "Laz said you'd been shot. Kalket and Max are the healers aboard if you need them. And Ingev can show you your quarters. If you need anything see Reno or Colin. As for the rest, Cal's the geek, Morrigan's the resident dragon wrangler, Melly's our favorite puzzle solver and Stella backs up Ingev, works the bridge and security. My advice is to call her cat Tigger, but don't touch him. The puppy's name is Ernie, short for Ernestine and I'm to blame for her."
She eyed him again. "Meeting all of them can probably wait until you're settled, unless you're pantingly eager to be social in which case I'm sure Ing would be happy to oblige. We'll be stopping at Pensa on the way, of course, for news."
"I'm not all that social by nature," Lev replied. "I'd like to settle in, get a feel for the place and meet everyone as shifts allow, if that's okay."
"Sure," Marc said. "There's a library and an observation deck that tend to be less crowded if you like alone time, and of course your own room. Several of the crew are more quiet than not, so we'll adjust. Watch out for the two baby dragons though. If they corner you you're in for endless questions," Marc added with a grin.
Yeah," Dinah said vaguely, nibbling a fingertip, looking at him as if she were measuring him for a suit. "Endless. It may be that you and McGee..." she began and broke off snapping herself back to the here and now and treated him to a dazzling smile. "Pardon me, I was thinking aloud. Ing will show you your quarters and we'll see you when you're settled."
"Come on, Lev, this way," Ing said and gathered up Lev and took him toward the crew quarters.
"He and McGee?" Marc asked Dinah once they were gone.
"Well he needs a friend," Dinah said. "And they strike me as remarkably similar in some ways, but that may be a draw back in this case."
"Yeah, they'll both sit in the library and not say a word to one another," Marc replied with a grin. "On the other hand, someone who isn't inclined to ask McGee a lot of questions might get further with him than you ever will."
"Yep. But he also strikes me as the cavalry officer type, who would be happy focusing on dragon battle tactics and strategy. Kalie reported that they had so many dragon volunteers they're going to hold a lottery."
"Now that is scary. How pissed off are the Houses to be losing that many dragons?" Marc asked, frowning.
"Well," she said, "we aren't taking all of them from the Houses. Some are coming from the Refuge, since with the births this spring it's getting a bit crowded. Others are non aligned, as it were. And I suggested to Kalie that they set up a rotation system for the rest to minimize the impact. Plus I have an idea there, playing off an idea I have about the Barons. Are you sure we need to check on Celie and Asher today?"
"Why, what plot are you hatching in your beady little mind, my darling?"
"Well I was thinking that after the Baron's meeting, we should maybe have a meeting of our own. A sort of gathering of allies, you know. Focused mainly on the social. See," she said, steering him off the bridge, her voice dropping, "it occurred to me we've a broad range of allies. The Houses, the Guild, the Monasteries, and the Assemblies and the University; but also on Earth. Plus we invite the Margassans, and let it be known we have. And we hold it on Earth."
"On Earth," Marc repeated thoughtfully. "We could invite a lot of allies from Earth too. I don't think Stephen would be happy having it at the Refuge. Too many unknowns who'd learn exactly where he is and what his defenses are."
"I know, but you know who'd love to do it? And would also be superb at it?"
"Baz," Marc replied. "Yeah, he does eat this stuff up. Poor Tsura. I should have talked sense into her before she married him."
"Yeah but if we borrow Jeeves and Mabel from the hotel..."
"Do you think they're crazy enough to say yes?" Marc asked dubiously.
"We can but ask, sugar lips, we can but ask."
"All right then, we got a plan. And yeah, I think maybe Lev might make a good strategy type with the dragons. If he gets along with them, anyway."
"Good," she said leading him into their quarters. "Now, Laz saw Asher and Celie today with Anja and Lev. We're picking them up tomorrow on our way out. What else is left?"
"I need to shoot by Ocala. You wanna come or wait here?"
She tilted her head. "What for?"
"Oh, I thought maybe, since we were taking on the Rim, I might pick up some x-laser arrays and a few other cute little gizmos. Never know what you might need."
"Ah, toys. Tell ya what. I'll be here in the bathtub, enjoying the bubbles and a glass of wine, skin glistening and hair piled on top of my head, a few curls dangling. When you're done with those toys, you can tell me how mine compare."
"I'll collect Cal and be back in a jiffy. Don't go all pruny on me, sweetheart."
She kissed him, long and slow and stepped back. "Trust me," she said.
"I'll bring you extra bath oil," he said and winked out.
